The map above shows a 5.3 acre of parcel property Aikens bought back on 6/13/2019. According to deed records, he paid $125,000.00 for the property.

On 9/14/2020, while he still owned it, the mayor presented the property to city council to receive a PILOT, Payment In Lieu Of Taxes, on the property. This is where the city gives a big property tax break to whomever the owner is when the property is developed. In this case, it's a 10 year tax break.

On 4/10/2021, the mayor quit claimed the property to Belle Investment Company. And yes, Belle Investment Company is the same developer city attorney, judge candidate, Greg Harrison, gave his property to and the same Belle Investment that's doing the big 400 plus unit development on Hwy. 321 that got the big tax breaks.  

In summary, Aikens buys the property for 125k, gets the city council to give it a big tax break, of course the council does whatever Tony tells them to do. Then Tony quit claims (gives the property to) Blount County developer, Belle Investment.

I'm sorry, but does anybody really believe that Tony is so benevolent he's just giving away valuable property?  

Affidavit signed by Aikens stating he got no money and the property has no value 

The more I research, the more property I find that the mayor has just given away. And of course, every time he does a quit claim deal, he beats the state and the county out of the transfer taxes. Some day we'll discuss the Bon Street property debacle. 

Not a very good example to set as an elected official.